School Days
Part IV
The Royal Temp
By KittyCaro
Disclaimer: Characters from the Adventures of Voltron and the New Adventures of Voltron are copyright 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1997 by WEP. Any and all new/original characters belong to the author.
Rating: PG-13 for adult themes, violence and bad language.
Author's notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. It took me a while to decide what to do with Sven (S'Melles unite!) I didn't like the way the series treated him, so I offer another twist to the saga, I hope you like it.
Lynne (Bonds of Love) thank you for you insight and your words of encouragement. Ariane- I hope you're reading this. C&C are welcomed.
Originally Published 08/04/2000 - Revised 03/07/2015
Rating: PG-13 for adult themes, violence and bad language.
Author's notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. It took me a while to decide what to do with Sven (S'Melles unite!) I didn't like the way the series treated him, so I offer another twist to the saga, I hope you like it.
Lynne (Bonds of Love) thank you for you insight and your words of encouragement. Ariane- I hope you're reading this. C&C are welcomed.
Originally Published 08/04/2000 - Revised 03/07/2015
Click on the following links to move along to that chapter.
LOCATION: PLANET EBB
STAR DATE: 2302.07.17
Lieutenant Commander Sven Asbjörnsen lay very still, struggling to fit bits and pieces of memory together. Escaping from planet Doom with his friends, arriving on Arus, meeting the lovely Princess Allura. Finding the keys to the Lions, forming Voltron.
Going after Lance, who was bent on facing Hagar to protect their princess at all cost… cries and curses. Sudden pain and blood... so much blood! He'd held his ground. By God, he'd held on, though his body was slashed and torn until the very fires of hell had been unleashed upon him.
He remembered the blue robeast charging forward, its claw raised, growling dangerously at him. In that instant Sven had known that his strength, his very life, was ebbing.
He had called on superhuman tenacity to remain standing. Had he succeeded in besting Hagar? Or had he failed? From the pain he knew that he was still alive, but barely. He was hot, so hot.
He tried to move his arms, but they were pinned to his sides by something wrapped around him. He managed to open his eyes and beheld the most amazing sight.
Princess Allura, head bent, so that her hair spilled forward like a veil, tumbling in a riot of golden curls over one shoulder. Her gaze fixed on a small red book she held in her hands.
The young space explorer looked around, struggling to get his bearings. They were in a white room, surrounded by the humming and buzzing of machines. And he could sense that dreaded smell of antiseptic.
He then remembered Keith's words. "There's a doctor on Planet Ebb."
He inched his hand toward his thigh. His fingers encountered his own flesh. He had been stripped of his clothes to take care of his wounds.
Through a haze of pain he gathered his strength for what was to come, and he willed himself to break the bonds that held him. He was stunned by his own weakness. Despite his best intentions, his body refused to respond. With one last burst of energy he managed to sit up, causing the white cotton sheet to slip to his waist, before he flopped back down, unable to do more than suck in a breath of surprise.
"Sven- what are you doing?" Allura gasped. She dropped her diary and pen and placed a hand on his forehead. The touch was as soft, as gentle as a caress.
"M-must go back." He winced at the toll those simple words cost him. His throat was dry as dust, and it hurt to breathe.
She removed her hand from him and felt tears burning in her eyes. He had risked his life to save them. She had to do something to ease his pain.
"I'll ask the nurse to give you something for the pain."
He blinked. "Princess," he gasped, "Let's go back to Arus."
Her breath caught up in her throat. "No, Sven, you just came out from an operation."
He shook his head, and sucked in a breath on a wave of pain. "They… need you… to form Voltron."
"What?"
"You must take my place."
She couldn't hide her surprise. "Me?" she said in a low voice.
"Yes." His lids flickered, but he struggled to keep her in sight. "I'll always be there if you need me," he managed to whisper.
He was watching her so intently, that Allura felt a ripple of unease. Still, she couldn't put aside the satisfaction that he was asking her to take his place. He thought she was ready.
His fingers closed around her hand and she was shocked by his strength. Even as he was slipping into unconsciousness, it would seem that he had the power to break her bones if he chose.
"Do I have your promise, Princess?"
Her gaze moved slowly over him. "Yes. Sleep now, so that your body can heal."
He closed his eyes. "Okay," he said as he began to slip further into sleep.
"I'll notify Dr. Petersen and Dr. Gorma about this." She stared down at the handsome space explorer. He had no need of her reassurance, for he had already slipped away.
STAR DATE: 2302.07.17
Lieutenant Commander Sven Asbjörnsen lay very still, struggling to fit bits and pieces of memory together. Escaping from planet Doom with his friends, arriving on Arus, meeting the lovely Princess Allura. Finding the keys to the Lions, forming Voltron.
Going after Lance, who was bent on facing Hagar to protect their princess at all cost… cries and curses. Sudden pain and blood... so much blood! He'd held his ground. By God, he'd held on, though his body was slashed and torn until the very fires of hell had been unleashed upon him.
He remembered the blue robeast charging forward, its claw raised, growling dangerously at him. In that instant Sven had known that his strength, his very life, was ebbing.
He had called on superhuman tenacity to remain standing. Had he succeeded in besting Hagar? Or had he failed? From the pain he knew that he was still alive, but barely. He was hot, so hot.
He tried to move his arms, but they were pinned to his sides by something wrapped around him. He managed to open his eyes and beheld the most amazing sight.
Princess Allura, head bent, so that her hair spilled forward like a veil, tumbling in a riot of golden curls over one shoulder. Her gaze fixed on a small red book she held in her hands.
The young space explorer looked around, struggling to get his bearings. They were in a white room, surrounded by the humming and buzzing of machines. And he could sense that dreaded smell of antiseptic.
He then remembered Keith's words. "There's a doctor on Planet Ebb."
He inched his hand toward his thigh. His fingers encountered his own flesh. He had been stripped of his clothes to take care of his wounds.
Through a haze of pain he gathered his strength for what was to come, and he willed himself to break the bonds that held him. He was stunned by his own weakness. Despite his best intentions, his body refused to respond. With one last burst of energy he managed to sit up, causing the white cotton sheet to slip to his waist, before he flopped back down, unable to do more than suck in a breath of surprise.
"Sven- what are you doing?" Allura gasped. She dropped her diary and pen and placed a hand on his forehead. The touch was as soft, as gentle as a caress.
"M-must go back." He winced at the toll those simple words cost him. His throat was dry as dust, and it hurt to breathe.
She removed her hand from him and felt tears burning in her eyes. He had risked his life to save them. She had to do something to ease his pain.
"I'll ask the nurse to give you something for the pain."
He blinked. "Princess," he gasped, "Let's go back to Arus."
Her breath caught up in her throat. "No, Sven, you just came out from an operation."
He shook his head, and sucked in a breath on a wave of pain. "They… need you… to form Voltron."
"What?"
"You must take my place."
She couldn't hide her surprise. "Me?" she said in a low voice.
"Yes." His lids flickered, but he struggled to keep her in sight. "I'll always be there if you need me," he managed to whisper.
He was watching her so intently, that Allura felt a ripple of unease. Still, she couldn't put aside the satisfaction that he was asking her to take his place. He thought she was ready.
His fingers closed around her hand and she was shocked by his strength. Even as he was slipping into unconsciousness, it would seem that he had the power to break her bones if he chose.
"Do I have your promise, Princess?"
Her gaze moved slowly over him. "Yes. Sleep now, so that your body can heal."
He closed his eyes. "Okay," he said as he began to slip further into sleep.
"I'll notify Dr. Petersen and Dr. Gorma about this." She stared down at the handsome space explorer. He had no need of her reassurance, for he had already slipped away.
LOCATION: PLANET ARUS
STAR DATE: 2302.07.19
Sven awoke to the sound of voices. A young man's high-pitched laugh, followed by the rumble of a man's booming command. He opened his eyes to the painful stab of sunlight pouring through the window. A tall figure in white swam into his line of vision.
"Well, Lieutenant- you have proven that you have the strength of your Viking ancestors," he said quietly.
Sven blinked rapidly. "Dr. Gorma?" he breathed.
The image became clearer. A man in his early fifties with salt-and-pepper hair, a beard and dark rimmed glasses was looking down at him with a concerned look on his face. Peering over his shoulder were Keith, Lance, Hunk and Pidge, smiling.
"Welcome back, Sven!" they greeted him.
The doctor reached for his chart and stylus and proceeded to write about the condition of his patient. "I had a hard time convincing Dr. Petersen to release you. You will have to follow my instructions if you want to return to your post as pilot of Blue lion."
"Don't worry, doctor," Keith said. "We'll make sure he doesn't do anything foolish."
Pidge nodded approvingly. "Yeah! We don't want him to miss all the fun."
Minutes later, Allura entered the room carrying a small silver tray with some concoction that smelled wonderful. She placed it on the table and walked over to Sven.
Her lips broke into a smile. "You're awake," she said softly.
She touched a hand to his forehead. Sven almost sighed from the pleasure of it. Her fingers were gentle, and so cool against his burning flesh.
"Doctor- he still has a fever," she said worriedly.
"But it's subsiding. I'll soon give him another shot of Ponstan for the pain and heal the wounded tissue. But first he has to eat something to regain his strength."
Allura nodded. "I asked the cook to prepare chicken broth, I hope you like it Sven."
He managed a smile. "Of course," he said in that wonderful accent of his. He managed several spoonfuls before refusing any more.
"What happened to the blue monster?"
"Yurak turned it into a robeast," Keith replied. "We faced it using the four lions."
"Before we knew it, that thing had us at the edge of a cliff!" Pidge said.
"And guess what?" Hunk asked. "We looked down and there was a lava pit!"
Keith smiled. "We were able to destroy it thanks to Lance's quick thinking," he said, placing a hand over Lance's shoulder. "He lured the monster to follow him to the edge, and then we pushed them into the pit."
Lance shuffled his feet. "Ah- it was nothing. When we were looking for the lions, Coran told us that Red Lion draws his power from fire."
He glanced at his fallen comrade and winced. "Besides- that monster had to pay for what it did to you," he said in a hush tone.
Sven smiled warmly at him and offered him a hand. Lance stepped forward and closed his fingers around his hand.
"All for one and one for all. Right, Porthos?" Sven said quietly.
Lance grinned at him, recalling their nicknames back at the lyceé. "That's right, Aramis."
Everyone felt a lump on his throat at the touching scene. Hunk coughed nervously and said, "We destroyed that beast, but are we going to have the same luck next time?" he wondered aloud.
Sven stared pointedly at Allura. "I'm sure we will," he replied cryptically.
Allura merely stared at him and held her silence. He was being far too optimistic.
Seeing the look of doubt that came into Allura's eyes, Keith forced a note of cheer to his voice.
"Princess– we were able to repel the attack from Zarkon. As soon as Sven recovers, we'll be back with Voltron."
She smiled at him. "I know," she said quietly.
"And we'll have a banquet to celebrate Sven's recovery!" Pidge added.
"That's right!" Hunk and Lance said in unison.
While Allura continued caring for the pilot of Blue Lion, Keith saw a look come into Sven's eyes before he blinked it away. They were keeping something from him, but what?
STAR DATE: 2302.07.19
Sven awoke to the sound of voices. A young man's high-pitched laugh, followed by the rumble of a man's booming command. He opened his eyes to the painful stab of sunlight pouring through the window. A tall figure in white swam into his line of vision.
"Well, Lieutenant- you have proven that you have the strength of your Viking ancestors," he said quietly.
Sven blinked rapidly. "Dr. Gorma?" he breathed.
The image became clearer. A man in his early fifties with salt-and-pepper hair, a beard and dark rimmed glasses was looking down at him with a concerned look on his face. Peering over his shoulder were Keith, Lance, Hunk and Pidge, smiling.
"Welcome back, Sven!" they greeted him.
The doctor reached for his chart and stylus and proceeded to write about the condition of his patient. "I had a hard time convincing Dr. Petersen to release you. You will have to follow my instructions if you want to return to your post as pilot of Blue lion."
"Don't worry, doctor," Keith said. "We'll make sure he doesn't do anything foolish."
Pidge nodded approvingly. "Yeah! We don't want him to miss all the fun."
Minutes later, Allura entered the room carrying a small silver tray with some concoction that smelled wonderful. She placed it on the table and walked over to Sven.
Her lips broke into a smile. "You're awake," she said softly.
She touched a hand to his forehead. Sven almost sighed from the pleasure of it. Her fingers were gentle, and so cool against his burning flesh.
"Doctor- he still has a fever," she said worriedly.
"But it's subsiding. I'll soon give him another shot of Ponstan for the pain and heal the wounded tissue. But first he has to eat something to regain his strength."
Allura nodded. "I asked the cook to prepare chicken broth, I hope you like it Sven."
He managed a smile. "Of course," he said in that wonderful accent of his. He managed several spoonfuls before refusing any more.
"What happened to the blue monster?"
"Yurak turned it into a robeast," Keith replied. "We faced it using the four lions."
"Before we knew it, that thing had us at the edge of a cliff!" Pidge said.
"And guess what?" Hunk asked. "We looked down and there was a lava pit!"
Keith smiled. "We were able to destroy it thanks to Lance's quick thinking," he said, placing a hand over Lance's shoulder. "He lured the monster to follow him to the edge, and then we pushed them into the pit."
Lance shuffled his feet. "Ah- it was nothing. When we were looking for the lions, Coran told us that Red Lion draws his power from fire."
He glanced at his fallen comrade and winced. "Besides- that monster had to pay for what it did to you," he said in a hush tone.
Sven smiled warmly at him and offered him a hand. Lance stepped forward and closed his fingers around his hand.
"All for one and one for all. Right, Porthos?" Sven said quietly.
Lance grinned at him, recalling their nicknames back at the lyceé. "That's right, Aramis."
Everyone felt a lump on his throat at the touching scene. Hunk coughed nervously and said, "We destroyed that beast, but are we going to have the same luck next time?" he wondered aloud.
Sven stared pointedly at Allura. "I'm sure we will," he replied cryptically.
Allura merely stared at him and held her silence. He was being far too optimistic.
Seeing the look of doubt that came into Allura's eyes, Keith forced a note of cheer to his voice.
"Princess– we were able to repel the attack from Zarkon. As soon as Sven recovers, we'll be back with Voltron."
She smiled at him. "I know," she said quietly.
"And we'll have a banquet to celebrate Sven's recovery!" Pidge added.
"That's right!" Hunk and Lance said in unison.
While Allura continued caring for the pilot of Blue Lion, Keith saw a look come into Sven's eyes before he blinked it away. They were keeping something from him, but what?
JULY 23RD
Dear diary:
It's been a week since Sven was attacked by that horrible robeast. When Keith and Lance found him they were afraid that he wasn't going to make it. Doctor Gorma says that he expects him to do a complete recovery. I'm glad because I've grown very fond of him.
I've been spending a lot of time with Sven. I bring him his meals. I read to him and I have sent messages to his parents. Professor Asbjörnsen teaches Physics at the University of Oslo, and Mrs. Asbjörnsen teaches second grade at the Edvard Grieg Primary School.
When they learned about Sven's attack they were so worried. They wanted to come to Arus and tend to their only son, but Sven was able to convince them to stay on Terra, that he was going to be all right. He's a wonderful man. He seems very quiet and shy, but his frank speech and honest ways are backed by genuine kindness.
Sven and I share the same ancestry. Our families are from Scandinavia. He's from Norway and my family came from Denmark.
My ancestors fled their homeland because of the impending danger of a World War. They arrived here on Arus in 2050.
Denmark was member of the European Space Agency (ESA), an organization of fourteen European countries founded in 1975 for peaceful scientific purposes. Their mission included developing and launching communication and weather satellites, scientific spacecraft, and space transportation systems. ESA member nations jointly funded and selected projects for the agency.
The director of that agency was an ancestor of mine, Åalfor Løve (Lion). He was a brilliant scientist, who used his knowledge to give his people another chance for peace and prosperity.
Now it's my turn as daughter of King Alfor and Queen Alexandra to join the Voltron Force and continue their mission.
I've been receiving secret flying lessons from Sven and Lance. I accepted their proposal because I want to surprise Keith for his birthday. He will turn 23 on August 8th.
They say I could take their place in case anything happened to them. But I didn't think that day would come so soon.
This evening, Sven gave me the key to Blue Lion. He says that I have to continue with my flying lessons, but Keith ordered the guys not to leave the castle and I don't want Lance to get in trouble because of me.
During dinner I heard Keith saying that tomorrow they will stay indoors. I've decided to take Blue for a spin. This will be my first solo flight. I hope my parents watch over me.
I'll better go to bed. I'll set the alarm for 5am.
Dear diary:
It's been a week since Sven was attacked by that horrible robeast. When Keith and Lance found him they were afraid that he wasn't going to make it. Doctor Gorma says that he expects him to do a complete recovery. I'm glad because I've grown very fond of him.
I've been spending a lot of time with Sven. I bring him his meals. I read to him and I have sent messages to his parents. Professor Asbjörnsen teaches Physics at the University of Oslo, and Mrs. Asbjörnsen teaches second grade at the Edvard Grieg Primary School.
When they learned about Sven's attack they were so worried. They wanted to come to Arus and tend to their only son, but Sven was able to convince them to stay on Terra, that he was going to be all right. He's a wonderful man. He seems very quiet and shy, but his frank speech and honest ways are backed by genuine kindness.
Sven and I share the same ancestry. Our families are from Scandinavia. He's from Norway and my family came from Denmark.
My ancestors fled their homeland because of the impending danger of a World War. They arrived here on Arus in 2050.
Denmark was member of the European Space Agency (ESA), an organization of fourteen European countries founded in 1975 for peaceful scientific purposes. Their mission included developing and launching communication and weather satellites, scientific spacecraft, and space transportation systems. ESA member nations jointly funded and selected projects for the agency.
The director of that agency was an ancestor of mine, Åalfor Løve (Lion). He was a brilliant scientist, who used his knowledge to give his people another chance for peace and prosperity.
Now it's my turn as daughter of King Alfor and Queen Alexandra to join the Voltron Force and continue their mission.
I've been receiving secret flying lessons from Sven and Lance. I accepted their proposal because I want to surprise Keith for his birthday. He will turn 23 on August 8th.
They say I could take their place in case anything happened to them. But I didn't think that day would come so soon.
This evening, Sven gave me the key to Blue Lion. He says that I have to continue with my flying lessons, but Keith ordered the guys not to leave the castle and I don't want Lance to get in trouble because of me.
During dinner I heard Keith saying that tomorrow they will stay indoors. I've decided to take Blue for a spin. This will be my first solo flight. I hope my parents watch over me.
I'll better go to bed. I'll set the alarm for 5am.
Keith awoke suddenly. He glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was only 0417.
He groaned softly and rolled over onto his other side. He had only slept three hours. He had stayed until 0100 reading the latest reports from the Alliance regarding Zarkon and they weren't too encouraging. The bastard was preparing himself for another assault on planet Arus.
Better use my time wisely, he thought. He sat up and opened the drawer of his nightstand, and took out his palmtop.
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.07.24.1
Dr. Gorma says that Sven will have to rest for a least two months before returning to his post. I've already sent a message to the Garrison asking for a replacement for Sven. Let's hope he or she comes soon.
Lance feels responsible for what happened. He says that he shouldn't have left Sven with that fiend. Lance and Sven have always been very close. They've know each other since they were thirteen.
During dinner I noticed that Ally was too quiet and barely touched her food. She must be worried about her people. They just returned to their homes and now we can't form Voltron to protect them. This is so frustrating.
Allura has been spending a lot of time with Sven. It's not that I'm jealous, but I wonder if Sven is mistaking her attentions for something else. I still remember the way he looked at her when I mentioned that Voltron would be back soon-
[The castle alarm goes off]
Something is wrong. I better go and investigate!
[He turns off his palmtop and jumps out of bed]
He groaned softly and rolled over onto his other side. He had only slept three hours. He had stayed until 0100 reading the latest reports from the Alliance regarding Zarkon and they weren't too encouraging. The bastard was preparing himself for another assault on planet Arus.
Better use my time wisely, he thought. He sat up and opened the drawer of his nightstand, and took out his palmtop.
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.07.24.1
Dr. Gorma says that Sven will have to rest for a least two months before returning to his post. I've already sent a message to the Garrison asking for a replacement for Sven. Let's hope he or she comes soon.
Lance feels responsible for what happened. He says that he shouldn't have left Sven with that fiend. Lance and Sven have always been very close. They've know each other since they were thirteen.
During dinner I noticed that Ally was too quiet and barely touched her food. She must be worried about her people. They just returned to their homes and now we can't form Voltron to protect them. This is so frustrating.
Allura has been spending a lot of time with Sven. It's not that I'm jealous, but I wonder if Sven is mistaking her attentions for something else. I still remember the way he looked at her when I mentioned that Voltron would be back soon-
[The castle alarm goes off]
Something is wrong. I better go and investigate!
[He turns off his palmtop and jumps out of bed]
Lance woke up with a start and threw his covers off. "We are under attack," he said, grabbing his clothes.
Moments later, he met Keith in the hallway.
"Ready, Lance?" he asked.
"Ready, Keith," he replied putting on his bomber jacket.
Hunk was sleeping peacefully when he heard the alarm. He opened his eyes into slits. "Hmm… must be a short circuit. Remind me to check it out tomorrow," he said lazily pulling the blankets over him.
Keith entered Pidge's room. He walked up to his bed and pulled off the covers. "Pidge, wake up! We have an emergency!"
He opened his eyes and slowly sat up. "I'm coming," he said, replacing his glasses on the bridge of his nose.
They joined Lance in the hallway. "Let's go and investigate," Keith said.
They were on their way to the control room when they saw a big shadow coming in their direction and stopped abruptly.
Keith frowned mildly. "Who goes there?" he asked.
The figure chuckled softly.
Lance quirked an eyebrow. "Who are you?" he hissed.
But the specter would not answer.
Pidge clenched his hands into fists. "Ok– you asked for it! Prepare to fight!" And with a cry, he lashed out at the intruder, kicking him right on the face.
The stranger crashed onto the floor and began to sob.
Keith reached quickly for the control panel on the wall and turned on the lights. He looked down at the trembling figure sprawled on the floor face down and widened his eyes in disbelief. "My God! It's a woman!"
Lance narrowed his eyes. "Could be a disguise," he growled, lowering down onto his haunches and grabbing the portly woman by the lapels of her brown coat.
"Identify yourself," the pilot of Red Lion snapped.
She glared at him. "Didn't they teach you when you were children how to treat a lady?!" she said in a thick Scandinavian accent, "I'm the royal governess!"
He winced and quickly released her. "She's telling the truth," he said standing back up. "Listen– she must be the nanny the Princess talked to us about weeks ago."
Keith twitched his lower lip and placed a hand on his hip. "Could be," he replied, gazing at her suspiciously. But after all the trickery they had experienced from Hagar they couldn't be sure.
"What's all this noise? I heard the alarm!" the royal advisor snapped. He stopped and glanced at the woman sitting on the floor.
"Who are you?" he asked and then widened his eyes.
"Nanny! Nanny! It's so nice to see you," he said excitedly kneeling down beside her.
"Oh Master Coran- thank you for coming to my rescue!" she gasped.
He placed his hand over hers. "All right, but what are you doing here?"
She looked into his eyes and smiled. "I heard the mighty Voltron was back, so I decided to return to the castle."
Pidge glanced at Keith and shrugged his shoulders. "I thought she was the witch," he quipped.
Keith gasped. ~Christ! She's going to love that!~
She glared at Pidge. "How dare you?! I'm going to teach you a lesson!" she growled.
The teenager quickly snapped his mouth shout.
Coran grimaced. "Nanny– these are Keith, Lance and Pidge. They came from planet Terra to protect our kingdom."
She gasped loudly and quickly rose to her feet.
"This kingdom? These ruffians are under the Princess' orders?" she chided while pointing an accusing finger at Lance and then moving toward Keith with her big, balled-up fists, barely missing his face. "They attack defenseless women without asking questions!"
Finally she walked over to Pidge. "They deserve a beating!" she exclaimed covering her eyes, and started to sob anew.
Coran grimaced. "Margaret– please calm down, I'm sure you're going to like them. You must stay; the Princess needs her royal governess."
She abruptly lowered her hands and smiled at him once again. "Yes Coran, thank you. I came back to work. I'm going to be like her mother once again."
Lance sighed and turned his back on them. "First she's crying, now she's happy, I wish she would make up her mind!"
"Boy! Am I glad she isn't my mother!" Pidge added.
"I heard that, you dwarf! My first job will be to teach you some manners!"
"Oops- I did it again!" he blurted out.
Keith and Lance stepped back very slowly and then escaped from Nanny's wrath.
"Good night, Nanny," Pidge said sweetly and made a quick exit.
She stepped forward. "You should bow to a lady before retiring!" she demanded.
The boys ran to the next corridor and stopped to catch their breath.
"A governess (sigh) I guess she's like a teacher," said Lance with a worried look on his face. "I hope she's only a loud-mouth."
Keith gazed at him. "I suppose the Princess loves her," he suggested. ~How am I going to be able to get near Allura with that woman behind us?~ he wondered briefly.
Pidge glanced back at them and smiled. "I like her, but I want her to stay away from me!"
"Did you hear what she said?" Lance asked. "She called us ruffians."
Pidge shrugged his shoulders. "We have been called worse."
Keith sighed. "I don't think we made a great first impression on her. We better not provoke her," he warned.
"Right!" they replied in unison.
The claxons went off again. "Let's go to the control room!" the young Commander ordered, "Pidge- tell Hunk to join us!"
"Yes, skipper!" he replied.
Moments later, he met Keith in the hallway.
"Ready, Lance?" he asked.
"Ready, Keith," he replied putting on his bomber jacket.
Hunk was sleeping peacefully when he heard the alarm. He opened his eyes into slits. "Hmm… must be a short circuit. Remind me to check it out tomorrow," he said lazily pulling the blankets over him.
Keith entered Pidge's room. He walked up to his bed and pulled off the covers. "Pidge, wake up! We have an emergency!"
He opened his eyes and slowly sat up. "I'm coming," he said, replacing his glasses on the bridge of his nose.
They joined Lance in the hallway. "Let's go and investigate," Keith said.
They were on their way to the control room when they saw a big shadow coming in their direction and stopped abruptly.
Keith frowned mildly. "Who goes there?" he asked.
The figure chuckled softly.
Lance quirked an eyebrow. "Who are you?" he hissed.
But the specter would not answer.
Pidge clenched his hands into fists. "Ok– you asked for it! Prepare to fight!" And with a cry, he lashed out at the intruder, kicking him right on the face.
The stranger crashed onto the floor and began to sob.
Keith reached quickly for the control panel on the wall and turned on the lights. He looked down at the trembling figure sprawled on the floor face down and widened his eyes in disbelief. "My God! It's a woman!"
Lance narrowed his eyes. "Could be a disguise," he growled, lowering down onto his haunches and grabbing the portly woman by the lapels of her brown coat.
"Identify yourself," the pilot of Red Lion snapped.
She glared at him. "Didn't they teach you when you were children how to treat a lady?!" she said in a thick Scandinavian accent, "I'm the royal governess!"
He winced and quickly released her. "She's telling the truth," he said standing back up. "Listen– she must be the nanny the Princess talked to us about weeks ago."
Keith twitched his lower lip and placed a hand on his hip. "Could be," he replied, gazing at her suspiciously. But after all the trickery they had experienced from Hagar they couldn't be sure.
"What's all this noise? I heard the alarm!" the royal advisor snapped. He stopped and glanced at the woman sitting on the floor.
"Who are you?" he asked and then widened his eyes.
"Nanny! Nanny! It's so nice to see you," he said excitedly kneeling down beside her.
"Oh Master Coran- thank you for coming to my rescue!" she gasped.
He placed his hand over hers. "All right, but what are you doing here?"
She looked into his eyes and smiled. "I heard the mighty Voltron was back, so I decided to return to the castle."
Pidge glanced at Keith and shrugged his shoulders. "I thought she was the witch," he quipped.
Keith gasped. ~Christ! She's going to love that!~
She glared at Pidge. "How dare you?! I'm going to teach you a lesson!" she growled.
The teenager quickly snapped his mouth shout.
Coran grimaced. "Nanny– these are Keith, Lance and Pidge. They came from planet Terra to protect our kingdom."
She gasped loudly and quickly rose to her feet.
"This kingdom? These ruffians are under the Princess' orders?" she chided while pointing an accusing finger at Lance and then moving toward Keith with her big, balled-up fists, barely missing his face. "They attack defenseless women without asking questions!"
Finally she walked over to Pidge. "They deserve a beating!" she exclaimed covering her eyes, and started to sob anew.
Coran grimaced. "Margaret– please calm down, I'm sure you're going to like them. You must stay; the Princess needs her royal governess."
She abruptly lowered her hands and smiled at him once again. "Yes Coran, thank you. I came back to work. I'm going to be like her mother once again."
Lance sighed and turned his back on them. "First she's crying, now she's happy, I wish she would make up her mind!"
"Boy! Am I glad she isn't my mother!" Pidge added.
"I heard that, you dwarf! My first job will be to teach you some manners!"
"Oops- I did it again!" he blurted out.
Keith and Lance stepped back very slowly and then escaped from Nanny's wrath.
"Good night, Nanny," Pidge said sweetly and made a quick exit.
She stepped forward. "You should bow to a lady before retiring!" she demanded.
The boys ran to the next corridor and stopped to catch their breath.
"A governess (sigh) I guess she's like a teacher," said Lance with a worried look on his face. "I hope she's only a loud-mouth."
Keith gazed at him. "I suppose the Princess loves her," he suggested. ~How am I going to be able to get near Allura with that woman behind us?~ he wondered briefly.
Pidge glanced back at them and smiled. "I like her, but I want her to stay away from me!"
"Did you hear what she said?" Lance asked. "She called us ruffians."
Pidge shrugged his shoulders. "We have been called worse."
Keith sighed. "I don't think we made a great first impression on her. We better not provoke her," he warned.
"Right!" they replied in unison.
The claxons went off again. "Let's go to the control room!" the young Commander ordered, "Pidge- tell Hunk to join us!"
"Yes, skipper!" he replied.
Pidge went inside the burly space explorer's bedroom and shouted, "Hunk! Wake up- now it's a real emergency!"
Hunk rolled over and glanced at him. "Is it morning already? Just give me five more minutes, Okay?" he pleaded and covered his face with the sheets.
Pidge rolled his eyes in exasperation and left the room.
Keith and Lance entered the control room. Keith sat in front of the console and turned on the view screen.
"Come on Keith– let's go and investigate!"
Keith shook his head. "Not yet- I want to know what we're dealing with," he replied and punched a few buttons.
Pidge ran into the room. "Sorry- but I couldn't make Hunk get up," he said. "Has Yurak come back?"
"We'll find out soon," Keith said. They turned their attention to the view screen and saw Blue Lion flying erratically.
He quirked an eyebrow. "Someone took Blue lion," stating the obvious.
"But Keith, Sven is still under strict orders not to fly-" Lance began and suddenly his face turned pale.
"Unless-" he uttered. ~No- it can't be!~
"Unless what?" Keith asked idly while he was checking the position of Blue lion on the map, when they heard a female scream.
"Shit!" Lance mumbled under his breath. His worst fear had proven right. It was their pupil, the fair Princess Allura.
Keith widened his eyes. "That's…" he trailed off and rose from the chair.
Coran stormed into the room. "It's Her Highness!" he gasped. "What is she doing in Blue Lion?!"
He pushed Keith aside and sat on the console. He pressed a button, and Allura appeared on the screen. She was wearing a uniform similar to ones used by the Voltron Force, but this one had pink accents.
Coran groaned loudly. "Princess– please, come back!"
"No Coran – I have to practice. They need me to form Voltron," she said evenly.
"That girl is going to be the death of me!" Coran exclaimed.
"At least it's not one of Zarkon's cronies," Pidge offered. "But how did she get the key to Blue Lion?"
"That's a very good question," Keith replied coldly while casting a sidewise glance at Lance.
He held his breath. ~Sven must have given it to her. Keith is going to kill us for this.~
"This is all your fault!"
Lance glanced back and grimaced. ~More trouble.~
He tapped Keith lightly on his shoulder.
"What?!"
Lance nodded towards the governess. Keith turned around and winced.
"Pidge – I don't want you to get upset but…" Keith trailed off tapping him on his shoulder.
He turned to him. "What did you say?" he said and glanced back. "Crap!"
Nanny was already wearing her working clothes, including a silly white bonnet. She was pointing a spear at them and she seemed ready to do bodily harm to the young space explorers.
"Why are you letting her do your work?!" she hissed.
"Uh-"
"Don't answer! Just bring her back!"
Keith frowned deeply. "Let's go team!" he ordered.
Coran nodded wearily and pressed the button for the portals, not realizing that the boys were still standing on the console, and they fell on the floor with a thud.
"Don't just stay there! Get up and save the princess!" Nanny bellowed.
They stood back up quickly and disappeared down their respective chutes.
Meanwhile…
Allura didn't know what to do. She seemed to have pushed every button on the control panel and couldn't lower her speed. "What am I doing here?" She wailed. "I shouldn't have listened to Sven, I'm not ready yet!"
She felt sick with fear. But she had to master Blue Lion if she wanted to protect her people.
She took in a deep breath. "I must control myself. Nothing bad is going to happen. I must remember which button Lance told me to push to lower the speed. Come on Allura- think!"
Allura glanced at the control panel. "Is it the blue or the red? Or is it the yellow one?"
She pressed the yellow button and the ship went into a spin. She shut her eyes. "God! I'm so scared. I wished Sven and Lance were here!"
"Princess– this is Keith, can you hear me?!"
"I can't…" she trailed off.
"Princess– please answer."
"I hear you! I hear you!" she screamed.
"Everything is going to be all right. Just open your eyes," he said with a reassuring voice.
"I'm so scared, Keith!" she gasped.
Nanny clenched her hands into fists. "She doesn't know anything about flying!" she cried. "She's going to get herself killed!"
Keith was getting tired of her ranting and decided to do something about it. He opened a view-link to the castle. He saw her standing next to Coran and gave her a dark look.
"Lady– shut up!" he ordered hotly.
Nanny stamped her foot angrily. "How dare you speak to me like that?!" she exclaimed, her lips quivering.
Allura recognized that voice immediately. "Nanny?" she whispered. "What is she doing in the castle?"
"Nanny- he's right!" she breathed.
Keith groaned inwardly. "Princess- that's not important right now. Just follow my orders. Press the red button on the left."
She pressed the button and managed to reduce her speed. "I did it!" she said excitedly.
Keith smiled. "Well done, Princess. Now- gently pull the red lever on your left."
She grabbed the lever and pulled, without realizing that she was getting very close to a mountaintop.
Coran widened his eyes. "Higher!" he gasped.
"She's going to crash!" Nanny screamed.
Allura pulled the lever with all her strength, barely skipping the mountain. She managed to descend safely in the nearby forest, followed by the other lions.
Nanny released a sigh of relief and fainted, but Coran managed to catch her in his arms.
Keith leaned back on his chair and swallowed hard. It was a close call… too close.
Lance grimaced. "I don't know what happened, we practiced that part about thirty times," he wondered aloud.
"Great job Princess!" Pidge exclaimed.
Keith cleared his throat and said, "Lance– I'm taking the Princess back to the castle. Tell Hunk to retrieve Black Lion for me."
Lance came out of his revere. "Y-yes."
Keith climbed out from the hatch of Black Lion and ran toward Blue Lion. He jumped in and saw Allura resting on the console. He walked up to her and knelt down beside her. His touch was gentle but firm as he turned Allura around to face him.
"Ally– are you all right?" he whispered.
She gazed at him. "Y-yes– I'm okay," her voice trembling with fright.
He caressed her cheek. "I'll take you back to the castle."
She rose from the pilot's seat and nearly fell over, but Keith wrapped his arm around her slim waist. In the next instant, he bent and snatched her off her feet.
With a soft cry, she wrapped her arms around his neck. He then went to the back of the cockpit and gently placed her on the couch.
Silently, he sat in the pilot's chair and minutes later, Blue Lion lifted from the ground in one fluid motion and headed to the castle.
He was relieved to see that his princess wasn't injured, although he couldn't shake the feeling that things were getting out of his control.
Hunk rolled over and glanced at him. "Is it morning already? Just give me five more minutes, Okay?" he pleaded and covered his face with the sheets.
Pidge rolled his eyes in exasperation and left the room.
Keith and Lance entered the control room. Keith sat in front of the console and turned on the view screen.
"Come on Keith– let's go and investigate!"
Keith shook his head. "Not yet- I want to know what we're dealing with," he replied and punched a few buttons.
Pidge ran into the room. "Sorry- but I couldn't make Hunk get up," he said. "Has Yurak come back?"
"We'll find out soon," Keith said. They turned their attention to the view screen and saw Blue Lion flying erratically.
He quirked an eyebrow. "Someone took Blue lion," stating the obvious.
"But Keith, Sven is still under strict orders not to fly-" Lance began and suddenly his face turned pale.
"Unless-" he uttered. ~No- it can't be!~
"Unless what?" Keith asked idly while he was checking the position of Blue lion on the map, when they heard a female scream.
"Shit!" Lance mumbled under his breath. His worst fear had proven right. It was their pupil, the fair Princess Allura.
Keith widened his eyes. "That's…" he trailed off and rose from the chair.
Coran stormed into the room. "It's Her Highness!" he gasped. "What is she doing in Blue Lion?!"
He pushed Keith aside and sat on the console. He pressed a button, and Allura appeared on the screen. She was wearing a uniform similar to ones used by the Voltron Force, but this one had pink accents.
Coran groaned loudly. "Princess– please, come back!"
"No Coran – I have to practice. They need me to form Voltron," she said evenly.
"That girl is going to be the death of me!" Coran exclaimed.
"At least it's not one of Zarkon's cronies," Pidge offered. "But how did she get the key to Blue Lion?"
"That's a very good question," Keith replied coldly while casting a sidewise glance at Lance.
He held his breath. ~Sven must have given it to her. Keith is going to kill us for this.~
"This is all your fault!"
Lance glanced back and grimaced. ~More trouble.~
He tapped Keith lightly on his shoulder.
"What?!"
Lance nodded towards the governess. Keith turned around and winced.
"Pidge – I don't want you to get upset but…" Keith trailed off tapping him on his shoulder.
He turned to him. "What did you say?" he said and glanced back. "Crap!"
Nanny was already wearing her working clothes, including a silly white bonnet. She was pointing a spear at them and she seemed ready to do bodily harm to the young space explorers.
"Why are you letting her do your work?!" she hissed.
"Uh-"
"Don't answer! Just bring her back!"
Keith frowned deeply. "Let's go team!" he ordered.
Coran nodded wearily and pressed the button for the portals, not realizing that the boys were still standing on the console, and they fell on the floor with a thud.
"Don't just stay there! Get up and save the princess!" Nanny bellowed.
They stood back up quickly and disappeared down their respective chutes.
Meanwhile…
Allura didn't know what to do. She seemed to have pushed every button on the control panel and couldn't lower her speed. "What am I doing here?" She wailed. "I shouldn't have listened to Sven, I'm not ready yet!"
She felt sick with fear. But she had to master Blue Lion if she wanted to protect her people.
She took in a deep breath. "I must control myself. Nothing bad is going to happen. I must remember which button Lance told me to push to lower the speed. Come on Allura- think!"
Allura glanced at the control panel. "Is it the blue or the red? Or is it the yellow one?"
She pressed the yellow button and the ship went into a spin. She shut her eyes. "God! I'm so scared. I wished Sven and Lance were here!"
"Princess– this is Keith, can you hear me?!"
"I can't…" she trailed off.
"Princess– please answer."
"I hear you! I hear you!" she screamed.
"Everything is going to be all right. Just open your eyes," he said with a reassuring voice.
"I'm so scared, Keith!" she gasped.
Nanny clenched her hands into fists. "She doesn't know anything about flying!" she cried. "She's going to get herself killed!"
Keith was getting tired of her ranting and decided to do something about it. He opened a view-link to the castle. He saw her standing next to Coran and gave her a dark look.
"Lady– shut up!" he ordered hotly.
Nanny stamped her foot angrily. "How dare you speak to me like that?!" she exclaimed, her lips quivering.
Allura recognized that voice immediately. "Nanny?" she whispered. "What is she doing in the castle?"
"Nanny- he's right!" she breathed.
Keith groaned inwardly. "Princess- that's not important right now. Just follow my orders. Press the red button on the left."
She pressed the button and managed to reduce her speed. "I did it!" she said excitedly.
Keith smiled. "Well done, Princess. Now- gently pull the red lever on your left."
She grabbed the lever and pulled, without realizing that she was getting very close to a mountaintop.
Coran widened his eyes. "Higher!" he gasped.
"She's going to crash!" Nanny screamed.
Allura pulled the lever with all her strength, barely skipping the mountain. She managed to descend safely in the nearby forest, followed by the other lions.
Nanny released a sigh of relief and fainted, but Coran managed to catch her in his arms.
Keith leaned back on his chair and swallowed hard. It was a close call… too close.
Lance grimaced. "I don't know what happened, we practiced that part about thirty times," he wondered aloud.
"Great job Princess!" Pidge exclaimed.
Keith cleared his throat and said, "Lance– I'm taking the Princess back to the castle. Tell Hunk to retrieve Black Lion for me."
Lance came out of his revere. "Y-yes."
Keith climbed out from the hatch of Black Lion and ran toward Blue Lion. He jumped in and saw Allura resting on the console. He walked up to her and knelt down beside her. His touch was gentle but firm as he turned Allura around to face him.
"Ally– are you all right?" he whispered.
She gazed at him. "Y-yes– I'm okay," her voice trembling with fright.
He caressed her cheek. "I'll take you back to the castle."
She rose from the pilot's seat and nearly fell over, but Keith wrapped his arm around her slim waist. In the next instant, he bent and snatched her off her feet.
With a soft cry, she wrapped her arms around his neck. He then went to the back of the cockpit and gently placed her on the couch.
Silently, he sat in the pilot's chair and minutes later, Blue Lion lifted from the ground in one fluid motion and headed to the castle.
He was relieved to see that his princess wasn't injured, although he couldn't shake the feeling that things were getting out of his control.
A few hours later…
Lance, Pidge and Hunk were waiting for the rest of the team in the conference room.
"Isn't Sven coming?" Lance asked, shifting nervously on his seat.
Pidge shook his head. "Don't be silly, Lance– you know he can't leave his room, doctor's orders," he replied.
He grimaced. "Sven fortuné," (lucky Sven) he mumbled under his breath.
"And where's Keith?" Hunk asked, stifling a yawn.
"He's in the infirmary, waiting for Dr. Gorma's results on the Princess," Pidge said. "She seemed to be in a state of shock. She couldn't even walk and Keith had to carry her in his arms."
They heard the swish of the door and glanced back. It was their Commander, and he didn't look too happy.
Slowly, Keith strolled over and sat on the opposite side of the table. After a few moments of ominous silence he said, "Dr. Gorma says that the Princess is going to be all right."
"That's great!" Hunk and Pidge exclaimed.
"My dear Lance– what were you thinking?" he said, his voice dangerously calm.
"Pardon?"
"Don't play dumb with me. You were giving her flying lessons behind my back," he hissed.
Lance swallowed convulsively. "I-I wasn't the only one. Sven was in this too," he squeaked.
With a thunderous frown, Keith rose from his seat and pressed his palms on the table.
"How could you risk her life like that?!" he growled.
"The princess isn't a helpless little creature; she knows how to pilot Blue Lion."
Keith gave him a disbelieving look. "Really? And why did we have to rescue her a few hours ago?"
"It was her first solo flight. She probably got nervous. I'm sure it won't happen again."
Hunk shook his head. "Lance– I told you to forget about teaching her how to fly," he whispered to him.
Keith glared at Hunk. "You knew about this?! Why didn't you tell me?!" he snapped.
The big guy swallowed hard. "I-I didn't think he was-"
Pidge gazed helplessly at him. "Keith don't be so hard on him. I also knew about his idea. We just thought he had forgotten all about it," he offered.
"I can't believe this!" Keith muttered. "All those trips to the villages…" he trailed off.
Lance clenched his jaw. "They had a double purpose. After dropping off the food, medicine supplies or visiting the orphanage, Sven and I would take her for a ride," he declared.
"Do you realize that we could get a reprimand from the Garrison for endangering her life? We could even be court martial for this!"
"Come on, Keith- don't exaggerate. The Garrison doesn't have to know about this little incident."
"Little incident-"
Keith brushed an impatient hand over his face and shook his head. "Why do I bother to explain? Your name says it all!"
Lance rolled his eyes at him. "Yes- I know," he said wearily. "Lance in Spanish means peril or hazard. You've told me about a million times."
"And you really are!"
"You should have seen her reaction when we offered to give her the lessons. She was so happy, she even kissed us on the cheek," he added with a dreamy expression on his face.
[Oh, that was the icing on Keith's cake!]
At that moment Allura, Coran and Nanny entered the room. The Princess had changed into her perpetual pink satin gown.
"Commander– I'm very disappointed with you," Coran said angrily, "How could you encourage Her Highness to fly Blue Lion?"
Lance rose from his seat. "Coran– you've got it all wrong. Keith didn't-".
"I'm sorry Coran– it won't happen again," Keith cut him off.
Allura gasped softly. "But you need me to form Voltron."
Coran's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Your Highness– you can't be serious."
"Oh, yes I am," she replied matter-of-factly.
He gave her a stern look "Your place is in the castle!"
Nanny nodded. "That's right!"
She rolled her eyes at her. "Oh Nanny– please hush," she said exasperated.
Nanny placed her hands on her hips. "Don't you use that tone with me young lady!"
Ignoring the royal governess, Allura turned to Coran. "Someone must take Sven's place while he's recuperating, and that someone is me."
"Don't worry Princess, I've already asked for a replacement for Sven to the Garrison," Keith said quietly.
Allura caught his hand between hers. "Keith– I know I can do it… just give me another chance."
He looked at those pleading sapphire eyes and his heart constricted. "Coran is right– your place is in the castle," he replied somberly.
She frowned. "I can handle both responsibilities."
"Your Highness, don't make it harder for the Commander," Coran pleaded.
Allura squeezed his hand. "Keith– you said that I was part of the team, please let me fly Blue, I know Sven won't mind. It would only be for a couple of months."
Keith groaned inwardly knowing that what he was about to say would hurt her deeply, but he had to do it.
His face suddenly changed… became harsh, unyielding.
"I'm sorry, Princess, you're not qualified."
Startled by his response, she dropped his hand. She felt the sharp sting of tears prickle the back of her eyes. If only he knew that she had learned to fly for him.
She took a moment to get her emotions under control. "How foolish of me to believe your words. That I was member of the Force," she said coldly. "I will not bother you again, Commander."
He winced at the harshness of her words. Why doesn't she understand that he was doing it to protect her?
Allura glanced at Lance. "I'm sorry I've got you into this mess," she said in a hush tone.
Lance followed her with his gaze as she exited the room. He wanted to run after her and wrap his arms around her and kiss her hurt away. Why didn't Keith admit that she was the ideal candidate to fill Sven's place?
Coran patted Keith's back. "It had to be done Commander, we can't let her risk her life," he said, "Nanny and I will talk to her."
When they left the conference room, the rest of the Voltron Force focused their gaze on their Commander.
Pointing an accusing finger at him, Lance said, "You went too far this time. How could you hurt her like that?" His hazel eyes blazed at him.
"I thought she was going to cry," Pidge whispered.
"Poor Princess," Hunk sighed.
Ignoring everyone, Keith abandoned the conference room. He strode into his quarters. He wanted to be alone. He didn't want to see the curious looks… the questioning eyes.
He threw his laser gun onto the bed, and then stared at it, unseeing. If he really wanted his inner turmoil to be a secret, he would act as if nothing were the matter. But he could not. For once, he could not hide his anger and his unhappiness. He shoved aside his weapon, and then sat on the bed, his head in his hands.
Why must he feel this way? He knew that a truly honorable man has to respect the woman he loves and always protect her.
"She isn't going to forgive me for not taking her side," he whispered, "But what else could I do? I can't let her risk her life. We're expendable, she's not."
Lance, Pidge and Hunk were waiting for the rest of the team in the conference room.
"Isn't Sven coming?" Lance asked, shifting nervously on his seat.
Pidge shook his head. "Don't be silly, Lance– you know he can't leave his room, doctor's orders," he replied.
He grimaced. "Sven fortuné," (lucky Sven) he mumbled under his breath.
"And where's Keith?" Hunk asked, stifling a yawn.
"He's in the infirmary, waiting for Dr. Gorma's results on the Princess," Pidge said. "She seemed to be in a state of shock. She couldn't even walk and Keith had to carry her in his arms."
They heard the swish of the door and glanced back. It was their Commander, and he didn't look too happy.
Slowly, Keith strolled over and sat on the opposite side of the table. After a few moments of ominous silence he said, "Dr. Gorma says that the Princess is going to be all right."
"That's great!" Hunk and Pidge exclaimed.
"My dear Lance– what were you thinking?" he said, his voice dangerously calm.
"Pardon?"
"Don't play dumb with me. You were giving her flying lessons behind my back," he hissed.
Lance swallowed convulsively. "I-I wasn't the only one. Sven was in this too," he squeaked.
With a thunderous frown, Keith rose from his seat and pressed his palms on the table.
"How could you risk her life like that?!" he growled.
"The princess isn't a helpless little creature; she knows how to pilot Blue Lion."
Keith gave him a disbelieving look. "Really? And why did we have to rescue her a few hours ago?"
"It was her first solo flight. She probably got nervous. I'm sure it won't happen again."
Hunk shook his head. "Lance– I told you to forget about teaching her how to fly," he whispered to him.
Keith glared at Hunk. "You knew about this?! Why didn't you tell me?!" he snapped.
The big guy swallowed hard. "I-I didn't think he was-"
Pidge gazed helplessly at him. "Keith don't be so hard on him. I also knew about his idea. We just thought he had forgotten all about it," he offered.
"I can't believe this!" Keith muttered. "All those trips to the villages…" he trailed off.
Lance clenched his jaw. "They had a double purpose. After dropping off the food, medicine supplies or visiting the orphanage, Sven and I would take her for a ride," he declared.
"Do you realize that we could get a reprimand from the Garrison for endangering her life? We could even be court martial for this!"
"Come on, Keith- don't exaggerate. The Garrison doesn't have to know about this little incident."
"Little incident-"
Keith brushed an impatient hand over his face and shook his head. "Why do I bother to explain? Your name says it all!"
Lance rolled his eyes at him. "Yes- I know," he said wearily. "Lance in Spanish means peril or hazard. You've told me about a million times."
"And you really are!"
"You should have seen her reaction when we offered to give her the lessons. She was so happy, she even kissed us on the cheek," he added with a dreamy expression on his face.
[Oh, that was the icing on Keith's cake!]
At that moment Allura, Coran and Nanny entered the room. The Princess had changed into her perpetual pink satin gown.
"Commander– I'm very disappointed with you," Coran said angrily, "How could you encourage Her Highness to fly Blue Lion?"
Lance rose from his seat. "Coran– you've got it all wrong. Keith didn't-".
"I'm sorry Coran– it won't happen again," Keith cut him off.
Allura gasped softly. "But you need me to form Voltron."
Coran's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Your Highness– you can't be serious."
"Oh, yes I am," she replied matter-of-factly.
He gave her a stern look "Your place is in the castle!"
Nanny nodded. "That's right!"
She rolled her eyes at her. "Oh Nanny– please hush," she said exasperated.
Nanny placed her hands on her hips. "Don't you use that tone with me young lady!"
Ignoring the royal governess, Allura turned to Coran. "Someone must take Sven's place while he's recuperating, and that someone is me."
"Don't worry Princess, I've already asked for a replacement for Sven to the Garrison," Keith said quietly.
Allura caught his hand between hers. "Keith– I know I can do it… just give me another chance."
He looked at those pleading sapphire eyes and his heart constricted. "Coran is right– your place is in the castle," he replied somberly.
She frowned. "I can handle both responsibilities."
"Your Highness, don't make it harder for the Commander," Coran pleaded.
Allura squeezed his hand. "Keith– you said that I was part of the team, please let me fly Blue, I know Sven won't mind. It would only be for a couple of months."
Keith groaned inwardly knowing that what he was about to say would hurt her deeply, but he had to do it.
His face suddenly changed… became harsh, unyielding.
"I'm sorry, Princess, you're not qualified."
Startled by his response, she dropped his hand. She felt the sharp sting of tears prickle the back of her eyes. If only he knew that she had learned to fly for him.
She took a moment to get her emotions under control. "How foolish of me to believe your words. That I was member of the Force," she said coldly. "I will not bother you again, Commander."
He winced at the harshness of her words. Why doesn't she understand that he was doing it to protect her?
Allura glanced at Lance. "I'm sorry I've got you into this mess," she said in a hush tone.
Lance followed her with his gaze as she exited the room. He wanted to run after her and wrap his arms around her and kiss her hurt away. Why didn't Keith admit that she was the ideal candidate to fill Sven's place?
Coran patted Keith's back. "It had to be done Commander, we can't let her risk her life," he said, "Nanny and I will talk to her."
When they left the conference room, the rest of the Voltron Force focused their gaze on their Commander.
Pointing an accusing finger at him, Lance said, "You went too far this time. How could you hurt her like that?" His hazel eyes blazed at him.
"I thought she was going to cry," Pidge whispered.
"Poor Princess," Hunk sighed.
Ignoring everyone, Keith abandoned the conference room. He strode into his quarters. He wanted to be alone. He didn't want to see the curious looks… the questioning eyes.
He threw his laser gun onto the bed, and then stared at it, unseeing. If he really wanted his inner turmoil to be a secret, he would act as if nothing were the matter. But he could not. For once, he could not hide his anger and his unhappiness. He shoved aside his weapon, and then sat on the bed, his head in his hands.
Why must he feel this way? He knew that a truly honorable man has to respect the woman he loves and always protect her.
"She isn't going to forgive me for not taking her side," he whispered, "But what else could I do? I can't let her risk her life. We're expendable, she's not."
JULY 23RD
Dear diary:
I never thought Keith would react like that, telling me that I wasn't qualified to be part of the team, just because I got confused at the controls. I'm sure he made a lot of mistakes when he began his training at the academy. I'm quite aware that being a pilot is not easy, but I deserve a chance to prove myself.
I wanted to be alone, so I decided to go to my bedroom. But Coran and Nanny came and tried to convince me to forget about flying Blue Lion. They are wrong to think like that. I don't want my people to be at the mercy of Zarkon once again!
Nanny said that they couldn't let their Princess risk her life. That she had talked to Dr. Gorma about Sven, and he assured her that he was going to recover soon.
But what if Zarkon decides to attack now? How are they going to form Voltron?
I remembered Coran and Nanny gazing at each other for a few agonizing moments, and then I noticed that her face lit up.
She suggested that in the village near Krone Mountain there were young, capable and brave men who could take over for Sven. Coran replied that it was an excellent idea and that he would send an emissary immediately. But Nanny refused, saying that she was going because it was her idea. And knowing how pushy she is, she's going to find a replacement in the blink of an eye.
Why is it so hard for them to understand that I want to protect my people?
I have to find a way to convince Keith to let me take the controls of Blue.
More later…
Dear diary:
I never thought Keith would react like that, telling me that I wasn't qualified to be part of the team, just because I got confused at the controls. I'm sure he made a lot of mistakes when he began his training at the academy. I'm quite aware that being a pilot is not easy, but I deserve a chance to prove myself.
I wanted to be alone, so I decided to go to my bedroom. But Coran and Nanny came and tried to convince me to forget about flying Blue Lion. They are wrong to think like that. I don't want my people to be at the mercy of Zarkon once again!
Nanny said that they couldn't let their Princess risk her life. That she had talked to Dr. Gorma about Sven, and he assured her that he was going to recover soon.
But what if Zarkon decides to attack now? How are they going to form Voltron?
I remembered Coran and Nanny gazing at each other for a few agonizing moments, and then I noticed that her face lit up.
She suggested that in the village near Krone Mountain there were young, capable and brave men who could take over for Sven. Coran replied that it was an excellent idea and that he would send an emissary immediately. But Nanny refused, saying that she was going because it was her idea. And knowing how pushy she is, she's going to find a replacement in the blink of an eye.
Why is it so hard for them to understand that I want to protect my people?
I have to find a way to convince Keith to let me take the controls of Blue.
More later…
INTERLUDE
The royal governess stepped out of the Princess' quarters. Lance and Pidge were waiting for her.
"I beg your pardon, ma'am."
Nanny whirled around and saw the taller space explorer leaning on the wall; arms folded across his chest, and the green-clad teenager standing next to him.
"We couldn't help listening to your conversation. If you need help you can count on us," Lance said with a sly smile on his face, knowing quite well that she wouldn't find anyone suitable like her charge.
Pidge grinned at her. "An old lady shouldn't go alone," he added.
She frowned deeply. "What?!" she snapped.
He grimaced. "Me and big mouth!" he gasped. He quickly stepped back and tried to shield himself from her.
She walked up to him and fastened a button on his sleeve. "You missed a button. If you want to serve Her Highness you have to dress properly," she said in a motherly tone. She then lifted her skirts and walked away.
Pidge released a sigh of relief. "I thought she was going to hit me."
Lance chuckled softly. "I wonder why, so far you have called her a witch and an old lady."
He glared at him. "I wasn't the one who shook her senseless to make her confess," he retorted acidly.
Lance sighed deeply. "Coran, Nanny and Keith are wrong in not believing in the Princess's abilities," he said. "You saw how she handled Blue Lion."
Pidge nodded. "Yes, she's quite good. But they're only thinking of her safety," he offered.
"Anyway, I don't regret giving her lessons, it was an honor and a privilege," Lance declared, his voice filled with great admiration… and maybe something more.
They heard footsteps from the opposite end of the corridor. It was Hunk, wearing a bright yellow tank top and yellow pants. He had slipped from the conference room and had gone to his room to rest, after being abruptly taken out from his beauty sleep to retrieve Black Lion.
He stretched lazily and said, "Boy! After that nap I feel like a new man!"
Pidge narrowed his eyes at him. "Hey, Hunk! Didn't you hear about something called personal grooming?" he chided.
Hunk quirked a thick dark eyebrow at him, and growling like a bear, he stretched his big muscles twice making his pants hit the floor, and he wasn't wearing any underwear!
Lance chuckled softly. If only Nanny could see this!
Pidge averted his gaze and said wearily, "Oh- why do I bother?"
The royal governess stepped out of the Princess' quarters. Lance and Pidge were waiting for her.
"I beg your pardon, ma'am."
Nanny whirled around and saw the taller space explorer leaning on the wall; arms folded across his chest, and the green-clad teenager standing next to him.
"We couldn't help listening to your conversation. If you need help you can count on us," Lance said with a sly smile on his face, knowing quite well that she wouldn't find anyone suitable like her charge.
Pidge grinned at her. "An old lady shouldn't go alone," he added.
She frowned deeply. "What?!" she snapped.
He grimaced. "Me and big mouth!" he gasped. He quickly stepped back and tried to shield himself from her.
She walked up to him and fastened a button on his sleeve. "You missed a button. If you want to serve Her Highness you have to dress properly," she said in a motherly tone. She then lifted her skirts and walked away.
Pidge released a sigh of relief. "I thought she was going to hit me."
Lance chuckled softly. "I wonder why, so far you have called her a witch and an old lady."
He glared at him. "I wasn't the one who shook her senseless to make her confess," he retorted acidly.
Lance sighed deeply. "Coran, Nanny and Keith are wrong in not believing in the Princess's abilities," he said. "You saw how she handled Blue Lion."
Pidge nodded. "Yes, she's quite good. But they're only thinking of her safety," he offered.
"Anyway, I don't regret giving her lessons, it was an honor and a privilege," Lance declared, his voice filled with great admiration… and maybe something more.
They heard footsteps from the opposite end of the corridor. It was Hunk, wearing a bright yellow tank top and yellow pants. He had slipped from the conference room and had gone to his room to rest, after being abruptly taken out from his beauty sleep to retrieve Black Lion.
He stretched lazily and said, "Boy! After that nap I feel like a new man!"
Pidge narrowed his eyes at him. "Hey, Hunk! Didn't you hear about something called personal grooming?" he chided.
Hunk quirked a thick dark eyebrow at him, and growling like a bear, he stretched his big muscles twice making his pants hit the floor, and he wasn't wearing any underwear!
Lance chuckled softly. If only Nanny could see this!
Pidge averted his gaze and said wearily, "Oh- why do I bother?"
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.07.24.2
I didn't know what to do, so I decided to seek advice from my first officer. I knocked on Sven's door and waited a few moments.
"Come in."
I opened the door. Sven was lying on bed watching "Alliance News at Noon."
"Hi, Sven."
"Hello," he said quietly.
I suddenly felt bad for bothering him. He looked paled and drawn, but I needed his help.
"Can we talk?"
He nodded. "Of course," he said, turning off the TV with the remote.
I strode into the room and closed the door. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, thanks. Doctor Gorma came about an hour ago to check up on me," he replied, brushing the bandage on his forehead with his fingers. "He says that I will start physical therapy in two weeks."
I managed a smile. "That's great," I said, strolling away as if trying to familiarize myself with these quarters.
"Something wrong?"
I glanced at him. "I suppose you heard the alarm going off twice. The first time it was the royal governess who decided to return to the castle undetected, and we mistakenly thought that she had been sent by Zarkon. And then it was the Princess who took Blue Lion for a spin and we had to rescue her."
Sven said nothing as if trying to digest what I had just said, but his face changed.
"Are you okay?"
"Keith- I have a confession to make. I asked the Princess to take over for me as pilot of Blue Lion on planet Ebb."
I gasped loudly. "How could you-"
He raised a hand. "Lance and I believed that as an honorary member of the team, she should know how to pilot the five lions. I suggested that she should start with Blue. We knew you wouldn't like the idea, so we decided to keep it a secret."
I gazed at him for a few moments and then heaved a heavy sigh. "I'm sure you meant well, but I don't want her to risk her life, so I told her that she wasn't qualified."
He frowned. "You're wrong Keith; do you really think I would have asked her to replace me if I felt she couldn't do it?"
"I guess not, but-"
"I'm quite confident she will become a great pilot."
I felt somewhat relieved with his comment. I knew I could trust Sven's judgment, nevertheless…
"Fortunately Zarkon is giving us some breathing room," he added.
"Yes, but for how long?" I wondered.
"Keith– if you're concerned about me not being able to fly, please don't be. I have had worse injuries and I have been able to pilot a ship. The moment Dr. Gorma gives the okay, I'll be back in Blue Lion."
I smiled at him. "I'm glad to hear that my friend."
Sven smiled back at me. "But in the meantime, why don't you give the Princess a chance? I know you will not be disappointed."
"What about Coran and Nanny?"
"You're the Commander of the Voltron Force," he reminded me. "They'll listen to you."
"I hope so. I'll talk to Coran tonight."
"Very well. Please tell me how it turned out," he said, lying back and reaching for the remote. "Now, I don't want to sound rude, but please close the door on your way out."
I chuckled softly. "All right. Thanks for your help."
"Anytime."
Save…close.
I didn't know what to do, so I decided to seek advice from my first officer. I knocked on Sven's door and waited a few moments.
"Come in."
I opened the door. Sven was lying on bed watching "Alliance News at Noon."
"Hi, Sven."
"Hello," he said quietly.
I suddenly felt bad for bothering him. He looked paled and drawn, but I needed his help.
"Can we talk?"
He nodded. "Of course," he said, turning off the TV with the remote.
I strode into the room and closed the door. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, thanks. Doctor Gorma came about an hour ago to check up on me," he replied, brushing the bandage on his forehead with his fingers. "He says that I will start physical therapy in two weeks."
I managed a smile. "That's great," I said, strolling away as if trying to familiarize myself with these quarters.
"Something wrong?"
I glanced at him. "I suppose you heard the alarm going off twice. The first time it was the royal governess who decided to return to the castle undetected, and we mistakenly thought that she had been sent by Zarkon. And then it was the Princess who took Blue Lion for a spin and we had to rescue her."
Sven said nothing as if trying to digest what I had just said, but his face changed.
"Are you okay?"
"Keith- I have a confession to make. I asked the Princess to take over for me as pilot of Blue Lion on planet Ebb."
I gasped loudly. "How could you-"
He raised a hand. "Lance and I believed that as an honorary member of the team, she should know how to pilot the five lions. I suggested that she should start with Blue. We knew you wouldn't like the idea, so we decided to keep it a secret."
I gazed at him for a few moments and then heaved a heavy sigh. "I'm sure you meant well, but I don't want her to risk her life, so I told her that she wasn't qualified."
He frowned. "You're wrong Keith; do you really think I would have asked her to replace me if I felt she couldn't do it?"
"I guess not, but-"
"I'm quite confident she will become a great pilot."
I felt somewhat relieved with his comment. I knew I could trust Sven's judgment, nevertheless…
"Fortunately Zarkon is giving us some breathing room," he added.
"Yes, but for how long?" I wondered.
"Keith– if you're concerned about me not being able to fly, please don't be. I have had worse injuries and I have been able to pilot a ship. The moment Dr. Gorma gives the okay, I'll be back in Blue Lion."
I smiled at him. "I'm glad to hear that my friend."
Sven smiled back at me. "But in the meantime, why don't you give the Princess a chance? I know you will not be disappointed."
"What about Coran and Nanny?"
"You're the Commander of the Voltron Force," he reminded me. "They'll listen to you."
"I hope so. I'll talk to Coran tonight."
"Very well. Please tell me how it turned out," he said, lying back and reaching for the remote. "Now, I don't want to sound rude, but please close the door on your way out."
I chuckled softly. "All right. Thanks for your help."
"Anytime."
Save…close.
Margaret Østergaard, the governess of the Royal House of Arus was on her way to the village of Kronborg, located near Krone Mountain. It was the middle of the Arusian summer. The temperature was in the high eighties. She almost cursed herself for not accepting Lance and Pidge's help.
She decided to stop and rest for a while. "I'm almost there," she sighed, reaching for her purse and taking out a white handkerchief to wipe the sweat of her brow. "I'll find someone who will take Sven's place," she said with determination.
All of sudden the skies were covered by dark clouds and it began to thunder. Nanny looked skywards and grimaced. "I must hurry."
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning touched the mountain, and it crumbled before her eyes. And a hideous creature with horns came out of the innards of the mountain.
She gasped loudly. "That's one of Hagar's robeasts, and it's going to attack the village!"
Meanwhile back in the Castle…
Allura was in her quarters looking out the window, searching for a way to convince Keith to let her fly Blue, when she heard footsteps.
"Princess, Princess!" Coran exclaimed, "I bring bad news. The village of Kronborg is under attack! The Lions have gone to help."
Allura grimaced. "They need me to form Voltron!" she declared and started to walk toward the door, but the royal advisor got in her way.
"That's impossible, you must stay here."
She glared at him. "Coran- step aside!"
He shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you go." And in one swift move, he lifted Allura into his arms and then dropped her on a chair. He produced a rope and tied her up.
"Coran! What are you doing?"
"Princess- this is for your own good."
She squirmed on her seat. "You talk about freedom to my people, but now you have turned against me!"
He looked down at her. "I'll be back when the danger has passed," he said and hurried off.
She widened her eyes. "Coran! Wait! Come back!"
"Please someone help me!"
Fortunately the space mice heard her cries for help. They immediately began to chew the rope, while Allura encouraged them. "You'll receive a royal reward," she said. "Hurry! It's a matter of life or death!"
When they had chewed enough, Allura stretched her arms and the ropes gave off. She quickly rose from the chair and said, "Thank you- my heroes!"
The mice nodded and smiled at her.
As the princess headed toward Krone Mountain in Blue Lion, she said, "I hope we have time to form Voltron"
The Lions were losing the battle. Red, Yellow and Green Lion lied motionless on the ground. The robeast had Black by his neck.
Keith clenched his teeth. "Come on! Let go of me!" he snapped.
He saw Blue Lion on his view screen and smiled widely. "It's the Princess!" he gasped, "We must form Voltron immediately!"
The other Lions miraculously came to life and managed to fly away. Red and Green Lion fired missiles at the beast and Black was freed from its grasp. Yellow and Blue Lion used their torches, making it falter a few moments.
"Come on you guys! Let's finish this robeast!" Allura exclaimed.
Keith smiled at her assertiveness, and gave the order to form blazing sword.
And Voltron destroyed the robeast in a matter of seconds.
Commander Yurak immediately ordered his fleet to retreat. But he couldn't help wonder who was flying Blue Lion. The witch had gloated to him that the space explorer called Sven would never recover from his injuries. How was he going to explain this latest defeat to his sire?
~I should have accepted the early retirement package,~ he thought wearily.
The mighty robot descended at the outskirts of Kronberg where the villagers greeted him. Margaret ran toward the Voltron Force who had just come out from their Lions. Allura met her halfway.
Nanny closed her arms around her. "Oh Princess- you beautiful and impetuous girl!"
"Nanny- I was worried about you and all my people," she gasped, wrapping her arms around the older woman.
Nanny then drew back and looked into her eyes. "Promise me that you're not going to do this again- ever!"
Allura shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't," she replied and ran back to her friends, who were waiting for her with open arms.
Nanny clasped her hands and lowered her head, and tears formed in her eyes. "If your parents lived, what would they think about this?" she wondered aloud. She then gazed at Allura and whimpered softly. "Please, be careful."
"Hurray for Princess Allura!"
"Hurray for the Voltron Force!"
When they lowered her from their shoulders, Lance grinned at Keith and said, "Well, do you still think that the Princess isn't qualified to be part of the Voltron Force?"
Keith fought back a smile. This was a side of Allura he hadn't seen before. And it was every bit as fascinating as the sweetness and tenderness she had showed him. There was a fire in her… yes… a fire and a passion that he found most endearing. Underneath that beautiful façade, there was a warrior, who would do anything to protect her people and her planet.
His noble heart filled with pride. She had every right to be part of the Voltron Force.
Slowly, he reached out and took her hand. "Princess- I was wrong for doubting you. Would you ever forgive me?" he asked.
Allura felt her heart dance. She wanted to throw her arms around his neck and covered his face with kisses.
Keith brought her hand to his lips, making her feel chills up and down her spine.
"Of course I forgive you, Keith," she said softly.
"This is a first," Lance laughed. "Keith admitting he was wrong."
He glared at the pilot of Red Lion. "Ok- let's go back and give Sven the great news."
She decided to stop and rest for a while. "I'm almost there," she sighed, reaching for her purse and taking out a white handkerchief to wipe the sweat of her brow. "I'll find someone who will take Sven's place," she said with determination.
All of sudden the skies were covered by dark clouds and it began to thunder. Nanny looked skywards and grimaced. "I must hurry."
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning touched the mountain, and it crumbled before her eyes. And a hideous creature with horns came out of the innards of the mountain.
She gasped loudly. "That's one of Hagar's robeasts, and it's going to attack the village!"
Meanwhile back in the Castle…
Allura was in her quarters looking out the window, searching for a way to convince Keith to let her fly Blue, when she heard footsteps.
"Princess, Princess!" Coran exclaimed, "I bring bad news. The village of Kronborg is under attack! The Lions have gone to help."
Allura grimaced. "They need me to form Voltron!" she declared and started to walk toward the door, but the royal advisor got in her way.
"That's impossible, you must stay here."
She glared at him. "Coran- step aside!"
He shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you go." And in one swift move, he lifted Allura into his arms and then dropped her on a chair. He produced a rope and tied her up.
"Coran! What are you doing?"
"Princess- this is for your own good."
She squirmed on her seat. "You talk about freedom to my people, but now you have turned against me!"
He looked down at her. "I'll be back when the danger has passed," he said and hurried off.
She widened her eyes. "Coran! Wait! Come back!"
"Please someone help me!"
Fortunately the space mice heard her cries for help. They immediately began to chew the rope, while Allura encouraged them. "You'll receive a royal reward," she said. "Hurry! It's a matter of life or death!"
When they had chewed enough, Allura stretched her arms and the ropes gave off. She quickly rose from the chair and said, "Thank you- my heroes!"
The mice nodded and smiled at her.
As the princess headed toward Krone Mountain in Blue Lion, she said, "I hope we have time to form Voltron"
The Lions were losing the battle. Red, Yellow and Green Lion lied motionless on the ground. The robeast had Black by his neck.
Keith clenched his teeth. "Come on! Let go of me!" he snapped.
He saw Blue Lion on his view screen and smiled widely. "It's the Princess!" he gasped, "We must form Voltron immediately!"
The other Lions miraculously came to life and managed to fly away. Red and Green Lion fired missiles at the beast and Black was freed from its grasp. Yellow and Blue Lion used their torches, making it falter a few moments.
"Come on you guys! Let's finish this robeast!" Allura exclaimed.
Keith smiled at her assertiveness, and gave the order to form blazing sword.
And Voltron destroyed the robeast in a matter of seconds.
Commander Yurak immediately ordered his fleet to retreat. But he couldn't help wonder who was flying Blue Lion. The witch had gloated to him that the space explorer called Sven would never recover from his injuries. How was he going to explain this latest defeat to his sire?
~I should have accepted the early retirement package,~ he thought wearily.
The mighty robot descended at the outskirts of Kronberg where the villagers greeted him. Margaret ran toward the Voltron Force who had just come out from their Lions. Allura met her halfway.
Nanny closed her arms around her. "Oh Princess- you beautiful and impetuous girl!"
"Nanny- I was worried about you and all my people," she gasped, wrapping her arms around the older woman.
Nanny then drew back and looked into her eyes. "Promise me that you're not going to do this again- ever!"
Allura shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't," she replied and ran back to her friends, who were waiting for her with open arms.
Nanny clasped her hands and lowered her head, and tears formed in her eyes. "If your parents lived, what would they think about this?" she wondered aloud. She then gazed at Allura and whimpered softly. "Please, be careful."
"Hurray for Princess Allura!"
"Hurray for the Voltron Force!"
When they lowered her from their shoulders, Lance grinned at Keith and said, "Well, do you still think that the Princess isn't qualified to be part of the Voltron Force?"
Keith fought back a smile. This was a side of Allura he hadn't seen before. And it was every bit as fascinating as the sweetness and tenderness she had showed him. There was a fire in her… yes… a fire and a passion that he found most endearing. Underneath that beautiful façade, there was a warrior, who would do anything to protect her people and her planet.
His noble heart filled with pride. She had every right to be part of the Voltron Force.
Slowly, he reached out and took her hand. "Princess- I was wrong for doubting you. Would you ever forgive me?" he asked.
Allura felt her heart dance. She wanted to throw her arms around his neck and covered his face with kisses.
Keith brought her hand to his lips, making her feel chills up and down her spine.
"Of course I forgive you, Keith," she said softly.
"This is a first," Lance laughed. "Keith admitting he was wrong."
He glared at the pilot of Red Lion. "Ok- let's go back and give Sven the great news."
Dear diary:
After returning to the castle, we went to Sven's hospital room. I sat down beside him on the bed, and related what had transpired in Krone Mountain, while the rest of the guys listen intently.
When I finished, Sven place his hand over mine and said with a smile on his face, "I knew you could do it, Princess. I'm proud of you."
I looked into his deep blue eyes. "Thank you for believing in me," I replied, leaning closer and kissing him on the cheek.
I then walked over to Lance. I rose on my toes and pressed a kiss upon his cheek, and heard his quick intake of breath.
"Merci beaucoup, mon professeur," I whispered into his ear.
He placed a hand over his cheek and an impish smile appeared on his face. "De rien, mon princesse," he breathed.
"What about us?" Pidge asked shyly.
Hunk rolled his eyes at him. "Shut up, you didn't do anything to earn a kiss from the Princess," he chided.
"Of course you have," I said. "You have brought happiness to this planet once again and you have given me a very special gift- your friendship."
I then proceeded to give them their reward. They smiled, their faces turning beet red.
I exchanged an amused look with the others. "How about a kiss for the Captain?" Pidge said, trying to avert their attention.
"A kiss?" I asked.
Keith's eyes seemed to double in size. "There's no need," he offered.
"It would be a kiss to seal your bargain of forgiveness," Sven suggested.
Keith and I glanced at each other for a few moments. If I didn't kiss him it would look rude. I had to do it.
"All right" I said quietly.
"Are you sure?" He asked hesitantly.
I nodded curtly, pretending that it was a big sacrifice to kiss the love of my life in front of these people.
He took a tentative step forward, and then stalled. "Princess- you don't have to do this," he said nervously. "I swear I shall never doubt your abilities."
"Come on, Keith," Sven said, fighting to keep a straight face. "Nothing bad is going to happen."
"You're not going to turn into a handsome prince, if that's what you're worried about," Lance added sarcastically.
"Yeah, you're a lost cause," Hunk quipped.
"A frog in a red flight suit!" Pidge squealed.
Keith gave them a menacing look, and I couldn't help but giggle at their antics. He was right. They were a handful.
He then took another step and stood right in front of me. I could sense all eyes upon us. I looked up and saw those dark brown eyes staring back at me.
"Let's seal the bargain, so we can go back to our duties," he said hastily, sweeping his hand to the onlookers, waiting to see what we would do.
"Okay."
I leaned closer to brush my lips across his cheek. But to my surprise, Keith quickly turned his face so that my kiss fell upon his lips. It was swift, but glorious.
There was a collective gasp across the room, and we quickly drew apart. Keith shot me a look of feigned apology. "Forgive me Princess," he mumbled. "But I thought I heard someone calling my name."
I blushed furiously. Trickster! I knew he was lying through his teeth. He did it on purpose!
"No harm done," I replied, averting my gaze.
Stepping back, Keith said curtly, "I must go; I'll see all you later." He turned quickly and practically ran from the hospital room.
The moment he left, the guys burst out laughing. "That was beautiful!" Lance breathed. "The great, the fearless, the duty-bound Commander Keith skittering out like a little boy."
I covered my mouth, trying to suppress a devious grin. If they only knew that it was all an act!
"He's going to be mad at us for a while," Sven added, with a smirk on his face. "But it was worth it."
"Let's go, before he punishes us for making fun of him," Hunk suggested.
"Yeah, like kitchen duty for a whole month," Pidge said.
"Please don't go, I want to ask you a favor."
"What is it, Princess?" Lance asked, wiping tears of laughter from his handsome face.
"Keith's birthday is coming up in two weeks and I want to throw him a surprise party, would you help me?"
Their faces beamed up. "Of course!"
"All right, let's set up a plan," I said, with a conspiratorial tone in my voice. And we spent the next two hours talking about our new mission- Keith's Birthday.
That's all for now, I'm going to bed. We have Lion practice tomorrow at 6am, good night.
The End.
08/04/2000
Revised 03/07/2015
After returning to the castle, we went to Sven's hospital room. I sat down beside him on the bed, and related what had transpired in Krone Mountain, while the rest of the guys listen intently.
When I finished, Sven place his hand over mine and said with a smile on his face, "I knew you could do it, Princess. I'm proud of you."
I looked into his deep blue eyes. "Thank you for believing in me," I replied, leaning closer and kissing him on the cheek.
I then walked over to Lance. I rose on my toes and pressed a kiss upon his cheek, and heard his quick intake of breath.
"Merci beaucoup, mon professeur," I whispered into his ear.
He placed a hand over his cheek and an impish smile appeared on his face. "De rien, mon princesse," he breathed.
"What about us?" Pidge asked shyly.
Hunk rolled his eyes at him. "Shut up, you didn't do anything to earn a kiss from the Princess," he chided.
"Of course you have," I said. "You have brought happiness to this planet once again and you have given me a very special gift- your friendship."
I then proceeded to give them their reward. They smiled, their faces turning beet red.
I exchanged an amused look with the others. "How about a kiss for the Captain?" Pidge said, trying to avert their attention.
"A kiss?" I asked.
Keith's eyes seemed to double in size. "There's no need," he offered.
"It would be a kiss to seal your bargain of forgiveness," Sven suggested.
Keith and I glanced at each other for a few moments. If I didn't kiss him it would look rude. I had to do it.
"All right" I said quietly.
"Are you sure?" He asked hesitantly.
I nodded curtly, pretending that it was a big sacrifice to kiss the love of my life in front of these people.
He took a tentative step forward, and then stalled. "Princess- you don't have to do this," he said nervously. "I swear I shall never doubt your abilities."
"Come on, Keith," Sven said, fighting to keep a straight face. "Nothing bad is going to happen."
"You're not going to turn into a handsome prince, if that's what you're worried about," Lance added sarcastically.
"Yeah, you're a lost cause," Hunk quipped.
"A frog in a red flight suit!" Pidge squealed.
Keith gave them a menacing look, and I couldn't help but giggle at their antics. He was right. They were a handful.
He then took another step and stood right in front of me. I could sense all eyes upon us. I looked up and saw those dark brown eyes staring back at me.
"Let's seal the bargain, so we can go back to our duties," he said hastily, sweeping his hand to the onlookers, waiting to see what we would do.
"Okay."
I leaned closer to brush my lips across his cheek. But to my surprise, Keith quickly turned his face so that my kiss fell upon his lips. It was swift, but glorious.
There was a collective gasp across the room, and we quickly drew apart. Keith shot me a look of feigned apology. "Forgive me Princess," he mumbled. "But I thought I heard someone calling my name."
I blushed furiously. Trickster! I knew he was lying through his teeth. He did it on purpose!
"No harm done," I replied, averting my gaze.
Stepping back, Keith said curtly, "I must go; I'll see all you later." He turned quickly and practically ran from the hospital room.
The moment he left, the guys burst out laughing. "That was beautiful!" Lance breathed. "The great, the fearless, the duty-bound Commander Keith skittering out like a little boy."
I covered my mouth, trying to suppress a devious grin. If they only knew that it was all an act!
"He's going to be mad at us for a while," Sven added, with a smirk on his face. "But it was worth it."
"Let's go, before he punishes us for making fun of him," Hunk suggested.
"Yeah, like kitchen duty for a whole month," Pidge said.
"Please don't go, I want to ask you a favor."
"What is it, Princess?" Lance asked, wiping tears of laughter from his handsome face.
"Keith's birthday is coming up in two weeks and I want to throw him a surprise party, would you help me?"
Their faces beamed up. "Of course!"
"All right, let's set up a plan," I said, with a conspiratorial tone in my voice. And we spent the next two hours talking about our new mission- Keith's Birthday.
That's all for now, I'm going to bed. We have Lion practice tomorrow at 6am, good night.
The End.
08/04/2000
Revised 03/07/2015
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"The Lion's Keep: The Next Chapter" is the most recent version of the "The Lion's Keep",
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